Concession Equipment
Set up a profitable concession stand with commercial concession equipment for stadiums, theaters, fairs, schools, and events. Shop popcorn machines, hot dog roller grills and steamers, snow cone and cotton candy machines, nacho cheese dispensers, hot food merchandisers, and concession supplies.
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Winco Benchmark 8 oz. Street Vendor Popcorn MachineSpecial Price $750.62 Regular Price $841.97 -
Winco Benchmark 1 oz Popcorn Paper Bags | Case of 1000Special Price $53.23 Regular Price $63.03 -
Popcorn Scoop - Plastic Scoop for Popcorn MachinesSpecial Price $5.84 Regular Price $6.90 -
Popcorn Speed Scoop Commercial Grade AluminumSpecial Price $18.22 Regular Price $21.58
Concession Equipment
If you are looking to put up a concession stand, it's important to make sure that you have a complete set of concession equipment and concession supplies to help make your service crew’s jobs easier. A complete set of concession stand supplies will also make sure that your customers are getting the best value for their money with regards to the snacks that you are going to serve at your concession stand.
A concession stand can bring you a lot of potential profits with little investment. As such, those running successful concession stands can look forward to a relatively quick return on investment. Also, a good thing about putting up a concession stand is that it can be easily set up anywhere, ideally in public places where there are a lot of potential customers.
Here at Rapids Wholesale, you can choose from a large selection of concession stand equipment that includes merchandisers, hotdog steamers and rollers, popcorn supplies, snow cone machines, hot food display and pizza warmers, nacho cheese dispensers, and condiment dispensers and pumps.
Concession Supply Must-Have #1: Hotdog Steamers and Rollers
One of the most important types of hot dog concession equipment are hot dog steamers and rollers. Hot dog steamers and rollers are indispensable types of hot dog concession equipment because steaming and grilling in a roller grill are two of the most affordable and efficient methods of cooking hot dogs.
In fact, a hot dog steaming machine can cook up to a hundred hot dogs in a half hour. If you are looking to serve hot dogs in your concession stand, make sure to purchase this type of hot dog concession equipment.
Concession Supply Must-Have #2: Popcorn Supplies
One of the most popular food items served at concession stands is popcorn. Due to its popularity, it is essential for any concession-stand owner to get the best popcorn concession supplies for serving popcorn. Popcorn concession supplies include commercial popcorn machines, popcorn packets, popcorn bags, scoop boxes, scoops, and kettle cleaning kits.
Concession Supply Must-Have #3: Snow Cone Machines
A concession stand wouldn't be complete (especially in the summer months) without snow cones. Snow cones are simple refreshments or dessert food that are made of shaved ice drizzled with different types of flavored syrup.
As such, you will need to pick up a snow cone machine, snow cone syrup, snow cone pumps, and more to ensure you can provide a delicious, refreshing snow cone to all of your eager customers.
Concession Supply Must-Have #4: Merchandisers, Hot Food Display, and Pizza Warmers
A hot food merchandiser or hot food display case is a type of concession supply that helps keep food moist and warm via controlled humidity. Needless to say, dry heat can make food dried out and unappealing, so humidity is the key.
Another type of concession equipment under merchandisers and hot food displays is pizza warmers. A pizza warmer is a type of display case or merchandiser where pizzas are displayed to keep them warm and fresh.
Concession Supply Must-Have #5: Countertop Cookers
Countertop cookers like fryers and griddles should be on the list of anyone looking to purchase a complete set of concessions equipment. In a concession stand, most of the cooking is done on the countertop, so countertop cookers are definitely a must-have.
Concessions supplies like countertop fryers are used to fry various food items like fried chicken, onion rings, french fries, potato chips, croquettes, and even doughnuts while griddles are used to cook foods such as hamburgers, pancakes, scrambled eggs, fish fillets, and many types of meat and various types of steak.
Concession Supply Must-Have #6: Condiment Dispensers and Pumps
Don't forget your condiment dispensers and pumps! They might not be among the major types of concession stand supplies, but you wouldn’t serve your nachos without cheese, your popcorn without salt, or your hot dog without mustard, would you?
Condiment dispensers are versatile in that they can be used for different types of condiments, which include ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, nacho cheese, mayonnaise, and many others.
Commercial Concession Equipment
Concession stands are one of the most profitable ways to serve food. Classic concession snacks like popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, snow cones, and cotton candy cost little to make, sell at a strong margin, and can be served in seconds. With the right concession equipment, a small stand can serve large crowds quickly and see a fast return on investment.
Concession equipment is used at stadiums, ballparks, movie theaters, arenas, fairs, carnivals, schools, churches, bowling alleys, and event rental businesses. Many units are compact and countertop-sized, so a concession stand can be set up almost anywhere with power and foot traffic.
Why Commercial Concession Equipment?
Commercial concession machines are built for continuous use during long events and busy rushes. They're also designed to merchandise food. Lighted cabinets, glass panels, and classic carnival-style designs show off popcorn, hot dogs, and treats, drawing customers in and encouraging impulse purchases.
Concession Stand Equipment Essentials
Popcorn Supplies
Popcorn is one of the highest-margin snacks you can sell, and the aroma brings customers straight to your stand. Shop commercial popcorn machines along with kernels, oil, seasoning, bags, buckets, and scoops.
Hot Dog Steamers and Roller Grills
Hot dog roller grills cook and display hot dogs with a rotating motion that heats them evenly, while hot dog steamers keep hot dogs and buns warm and moist. Both are simple to operate and ideal for serving large crowds.
Snow Cone Machines and Supplies
Snow cones are a seasonal favorite at outdoor events, pools, and ballparks. Find snow cone machines, ice shavers, flavored syrups, cups, and dispensers.
Cotton Candy Machines and Supplies
Cotton candy is a colorful crowd-pleaser for fairs, carnivals, and parties. Shop cotton candy machines, floss sugar, cones, and bags.
Nacho Chips and Cheese
Nachos are a staple at stadiums and theaters. Nacho cheese dispensers and warmers keep cheese sauce hot and ready to pump, and pair perfectly with tortilla chips and serving trays.
Hot Food Merchandisers
Hot food merchandisers keep pretzels, pizza, and other ready-to-eat items warm while displaying them to customers. Many use controlled humidity to keep food from drying out.
Condiment Dispensers and Pumps
Condiment dispensers and pumps make it easy to serve ketchup, mustard, relish, and other toppings while controlling portions and keeping the area clean.
Hawkers
Hawker trays and carriers let vendors sell drinks and snacks directly in the stands, bringing sales to customers who don't want to leave their seats.
How to Plan a Concession Stand
1. Choose Your Menu
Start with a few proven sellers rather than trying to offer everything. Popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, and drinks are reliable choices year-round, while snow cones and cotton candy add seasonal and event appeal. A focused menu keeps lines moving and makes ordering supplies simpler.
2. Plan for Your Busiest Rush
Concession sales often come in short, intense bursts, such as before a game, at halftime, or between movies. Choose equipment with enough capacity to handle your peak crowd, not just your average traffic.
3. Check Your Space and Power
Measure your counter and floor space before you buy, and plan where each machine will sit. Check the electrical requirements for each unit, especially if you're running several machines at once or using a generator at an outdoor event.
4. Think About Merchandising
Place eye-catching equipment like popcorn machines and hot food merchandisers where customers can see them. Visible food and fresh aromas are some of your best sales tools.
5. Stock Up on Supplies
Keep plenty of disposables and ingredients on hand, including cups, bags, trays, napkins, kernels, syrups, and cheese sauce. Running out during a rush means lost sales.
Concession Equipment FAQs
What equipment do I need to start a concession stand?
It depends on your menu, but many concession stands start with a popcorn machine, a hot dog roller grill or steamer, a nacho cheese dispenser, and a beverage setup. Snow cone and cotton candy machines are popular additions for outdoor and seasonal events.
What are the most profitable concession stand foods?
Popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and fountain drinks are known for low ingredient costs and strong profit margins. Hot dogs and nachos are also reliable, steady sellers.
Can concession equipment be used outdoors?
Many concession machines can be used at outdoor events with proper protection from weather and a reliable power source. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines and electrical requirements.
How do I keep concession food fresh?
Use hot food merchandisers, warming decks, and cheese warmers to hold food at serving temperature, and make smaller batches throughout the event instead of large batches that sit too long.
